Somatic Therapy

Mom throwing toddler in the air engaging somatic movement at the beach

This is for you if: Your anxiety feels physical. You have a racing heart, a clenched jaw, or a constant feeling of being "on edge." You feel "numb" or disconnected from your body since giving birth and find it hard to feel truly present with your baby.

Becoming and being a parent is an experience that impacts every part of your being including your mind, emotions, and body. While we often focus on the thoughts and feelings associated with creating a family and being a parent, but the physical demands, hormonal shifts, and overwhelming stressors of this period are also deeply registered within our bodies. If you find yourself feeling constantly overwhelmed, disconnected from your physical self, battling persistent anxiety, or struggling with inexplicable fatigue, somatic therapy offers a powerful and unique path to healing and greater well-being.

A man sitting on a wooden outdoor deck stretching forward with his legs crossed, wearing a gray t-shirt and black shorts, with outdoor chairs in the background. Man is using somatic movement to address the stress and strain of new parenthood.

As a therapist that focuses on the influence of the body on our mind, I understand that many of the challenges in postpartum mental health and parenting manifest physically. My practice is dedicated to providing a space where we can explore how your body holds stress, how to use your body to promote regulation, and how your body’s physical reactions can provide insight into your mental state. By cultivating a deeper awareness of your bodily sensations and learning to regulate your nervous system, you can release accumulated tension, reduce anxiety, enhance your capacity for presence, and respond to the demands of parenthood with more calm and resilience. This isn't just about coping; it's about fostering a deeper, more integrated connection with yourself.

Reconnecting with Your Body's Wisdom

Woman with back towards camera in the woods engaging in somatic movement

Your body has been through a huge transformation when it grows and gives birth to a baby. It is a time of immense physiological and emotional change. Our bodies are often holding the echoes of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and even joy from this process. Somatic therapy recognizes that mental health challenges during this time are not solely "in your head"; they are often deeply imprinted in your nervous system and physical being.

What to expect: We don't just talk; we listen to what your body is telling us. You will learn gentle, grounding techniques to track your physical sensations and discharge stress, helping your nervous system return to a state of safety and calm.

women in a field engaging in somatic breathing to regulate nervous system after stressful postpartum

Here are common experiences where a somatic approach can offer profound support:

  • Persistent Anxiety and Overwhelm

  • Physical Manifestations of Stress

  • Feeling Disconnected from Your Body

  • Difficulties with Bonding and Presence

  • Intrusive Thoughts or Reliving Difficult Moments

  • Irritability and Emotional Reactivity

  • Sleep Disturbances (beyond infant needs)

  • Identity Shifts and Feeling "Lost"

  • Relationship Strain

By cultivating a mindful awareness of your body's signals and engaging in specific somatic practices, you can gain profound insights into your emotional landscape and develop tools for self-regulation, leading to greater peace and presence in your perinatal and parenting journey. Learn more about how my practice can address your stress, anxiety, and reactivity through body awareness and emotional regulation to improve your postpartum and parenting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach that focuses on the connection between the mind and the nervous system. Rather than just talking about stress, we work to release the physical tension and "fight-or-flight" energy stored in the body. This helps you regulate your emotions from the bottom up, leading to a deeper sense of physical and emotional safety.

  • Somatic therapy just acknowledges that trauma and anxiety are physical. If you feel "constantly on edge," "numb," or "trapped in fight-or-flight," we use gentle techniques to help your nervous system feel safe again. It's therapy for the part of you that "talking" can't reach.

  • Absolutely. After birth, many women feel "disconnected" from their bodies. Somatic work is a gentle way to re-inhabit your body, helping you feel grounded and present so you can respond to your baby from a place of calm rather than depletion.